Letters to the editor for June 7, 2012

Congrats to Summerville El. Just wanted to say thank you, for Steve Artzer bringing back the bell tradition for the kids at Summerville El.

Also, as someone who goes to all the grammar schools to watch sporting events, Summerville El’s campus is always the cleanest, and best kept in the whole county, another accomplishment of Mr. Artzer’s.

Thanks for your dedication.

Mark Aquilino

Sonora

Planning difficulties

To the Editor,

I am very pessimistic about our Calaveras County General Plan Update. Individual choice and property rights are not included in that grand vision of our future.

Getting a permit from any planning department is an expensive and daunting process for even tiny, mundane projects.

My experience with planning tells me that land planning in California is not about planning. It is about control dictated from Sacramento, Washington D.C. and ultimately the U.N.

For example, an organization of planners and “experts” called the Local Government Commission (LGC) met at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite and compiled a document called, The Ahwahnee Principles.

Ahwahnee Principles say we are impairing our way of life by intruding on open space and polluting the air with our cars. It would rescue us with strict government controls over how we live and develop our property. LGC promises Livable Communities, meaning high density Agenda 21 Smart Growth communes.

In effect, we will live as the planner wishes rather than how we, ourselves choose to live. What a rotten bill of goods. They deem us incompetent to make our own life decisions without strict, overreaching government oversight.

If you own land where you hope to build or develop, I strongly recommend that you visit the planning department soon to get a list of the requirements, restrictions and fees before you proceed.

Otherwise you might spend thousands of dollars just for the privilege of hearing “no.”

Even if you do clear all the hurdles, the process could take years. Be warned.

Robert Mulvaney

Murphys

Mother Lode
fish planting

To the Editor,

I’ve heard a few negative remarks from some very disgruntled fisherman whose comments and accusations lack knowledge and substance.

I want to send my thank you’s out to all who work at Moccasin Trout Hatchery. I see them working their butts off almost every week. Their dedication and commitment to our communities is amazing.

Thanks to them my 4-year-old caught his first fish. They also let him throw some fish in the river. For the man who was complaining — shame on you for trying to educate others on things you know nothing about.

Thank you Moccasin Hatchery-Dept. of Fish and Game for everything you do!